HILTON HEAD.

We drove off Hilton Head island last Saturday with our windows up this time because Marin was already sound asleep in the back. After nodding to Andy that she was snoozing, we shared a silent it-was-great-trip hand squeeze then sat quietly before I dozed off to leave Andy by his driving lonesome.

Sometimes it feels like we drive off that island a different couple each year.

The first year, we had the BIG talk, you know? There on that little beach walk we realized, whoa, this is it. It's when I realized peace comes flooding in when it's the right guy. 

Each year, this trip, with all its tradition, helps me see from a distance where we've been and how far we've come as a couple, as newlyweds, as new parents.

Tradition will do that to you.

Last year we wobbled a perfectly covered stroller, 100% UV protected baby and perfectly packed diaper bag to the beach each day. New parents alert.

This year we let Marin run free in her excitement to get to the "wa wa", a skinned knee to show for it. Two parents following close by who are a bit more free and grace-giving than ever with each other. This was the year of watching honey dew drip down Marin's chin in smiling delight  each morning. It was the year we saw that she loves some things fearlessly like the big deep ocean and the big deep love of family.  It was the year of let's not worry about the "schedule" so much and "sure she can eat those Pringles". It was the year of morning jogs again, just like we did when we were dating. It was the year of let the baby take her naps on the beach. Oh glorious moment of a salty, smiley waking baby. It was the year of board games till midnight.

It was a beautiful year.

Makes me wonder who we will be when we drive off the island next year and what God has in store. 

I'm sure it will be good, like throw-us-up-in-the-air-and-show-us-how-little-we-are-and-how-much-He-loves-us good.